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3D printers are increasingly being used to manufacture medical devices such as surgical tools, implants and medical mesh. Medical mesh is a woven sheet used to support organs and other tissues during surgery. Mesh can be permanent or temporary (dissolves over time).

Cranial mesh implants were historically manufactured from titanium metal using computer-aided design (CAD). With 3D printing, custom-fit cranial mesh implants can be produced out of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) which is preferable due to cost savings and improved biocompatibility. 3D printing allows surgeons to fabricate highly complex structures that will provide a better fit for the patient's anatomy. In addition a bioabsorbable polymer can be combined with the custom-made mesh allowing the patient's own bone cells to infiltrate the mesh and grow. An increase in demand for custom-made implants with additive-bioabsorbable polymers is likely as the capabilities of 3D printing continue to improve.

In August 2013 at Peking University Third Hospital a 3D printed titanium mesh implant was used on a spinal fracture patient. The 3D mesh implant provided a better fit than a traditional mesh since it was designed specifically for the patient's structure. The custom mesh reduced pressure on the bone and allowed the bone to grow into the implant.

As the cycle time of 3D printers improves and the printer cost is reduced it is likely that hospitals will procure their own 3D printers. This will enable fabrication of surgical mesh at the hospital to the specific needs of the patient.